Lyna Mohamad
Batik is an art form originating from Indonesia and has been recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on October 2, 2009. It is important for the national economy and is currently getting known worldwide, Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Dr Sujatmiko said.
He made these comments at the ‘Indonesian Batik Exhibition and Culture’ event, showcasing modern batik clothes and handicrafts from the works of national designer, Frida Nursanti at the Diplomatic Hall of the Indonesian Embassy in Brunei Darussalam in Bandar Seri Begawan on Tuesday.
The event, organised by the Indonesian Embassy in collaboration with the Indonesian Women’s Association of the Embassy saw the attendance of members of the royal family and foreign diplomats, businessmen, media representatives and friends of Indonesia who were impressed by the various motifs, colours and styles of batik cloth displayed. Apart from the showcase, the audience also had the opportunity to see handicraft products, food and herbal drinks from Purwakarta Regency as well as performances of Pendet dance, Payung dance and Saman dance, by the Indonesian people in Brunei, which also enlivened the event.
A children’s book entitle The Legend of Bagendit Lake was also launched at the event.
The book was a collaborative project between the Indonesian Embassy and the Reading and Literacy Association of Brunei (ReLA) and it tells the story of the legend of Situ Bagendit, one of the national tourist sites in West Java Province, compiled by Dr Zeiti Hamid and team.
